Unbelievable: Anti-Religious Lecture in Bible Teachers' Training

The Ministry of Education will open an investigation following a query from Channel 14, after it became known that a lecture by Dr. Jeremy Fogel, associated with political activity against the government, was scheduled in a training course for Bible teachers. The lecture dealt with his book "Philosophers Against God" and included, according to teachers' testimonies, political statements and calls for a "political revolution." The Ministry stated that the claims will be examined in depth.

The Ministry of Education announced it will open an investigation following a query from Channel 14, after it became known that a lecture by Dr. Jeremy Fogel, associated with political activity against the government, was scheduled in a training course for Bible teachers, which grants professional development credit to teaching staff. The lecture dealt with his book "Philosophers Against God," which presents a philosophical discussion on the existence of God and criticism of religious faith, relying on thinkers such as Nietzsche and Spinoza. Fogel has previously described his goal as "to bring people back to the question." Alongside his academic activity, he is associated with sharp criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli policy, and has argued that political change must begin with a "theological revolution." Teachers who participated in the training claimed that the lecture included political statements, calls for a "political revolution," criticism of the government, and references to the Haredi public, the Swords of Iron war, and the events of October 7. The Ministry of Education responded that "the description is most severe" and that the claims will be examined in depth, and if it is found that a lecturer used the training for political messages, he will be removed.